Championship, Sheffield United just lost their direct clash with Burnley and seek redemption with West Bromwich: predictions.
Burnley’s victory at home to leading Sheffield United, until last Thursday unbeaten in front of their own fans, was undoubtedly the most striking result of Boxing Day on Boxing Day. That between the Blades and Clarets, who boast the two best defenses in the league, turned out as expected to be a largely deadlocked contest: in the end, a couple of episodes (0-2) decided it, with Burnley better able to exploit the counterattack weapon than the red-and-whites. Sheffield United, on the other hand, ended up paying for too much inaccuracy in the final third of the field.
For Chris Wilder’s men it was the first knockout after 2 months of unbeaten streak and in the standings they were joined by Leeds on 48 points. The opportunity to immediately redeem the disappointment of the defeat in the direct clash offers them the challenge with West Bromwich, also scheduled at Bramall Lane: the Baggies are not doing badly – they are eighth and the playoff zone is just a stone’s throw away – but lately they have been limping away (two defeats in a row) and, as if that were not enough, they have just had to say goodbye to the now former coach Carlos Corberan, enlisted by Valencia following the exoneration of Ruben Baraja. There seem to be the conditions, in short, for a clear success for Sheffield United, eager to turn the page immediately. Burnley, now -1 from the top, will instead be engaged in another tricky away match against Middlesbrough. The Clarets, however, are in great form – 3 consecutive wins and no defeats since the beginning of November – and should snatch a positive result even at home to Boro, coming off two pyrotechnic 3-3 draws with Plymouth and Sheffield Wednesday: a high number of goals are expected (at least one on each side and more than 2 total).
The predictions on the other matches
Neither is Leeds, another team that-after missing out last season-is aiming for direct promotion, planning to slow down its march. The Whites in the last nine days have barely cashed in a defeat, while at the same time collecting as many as 6 victories, the last one achieved on Thursday at home of the dangerous Stoke City (0-2). It would not be a surprise if Daniel Farke’s men come out of Pride Park Stadium with the three points in their pockets as well, against a Derby County side that in any case will not give up easily.
Restanding at the top of the standings, Blackburn, momentarily fifth, should return to winning ways. The Rovers did not go beyond a draw (2-2) in their direct clash with Sunderland, but Hull City at this juncture does not pose a credible threat (only one success since October), let alone away.
Sunderland itself, on the other hand, has a good chance of conquering the stadium of Stoke City, which is increasingly struggling (five defeats in the last six days). Finally, we expect goals aplenty in Oxford United- Plymouth, two teams with heavy defensive limitations, and in Watford-Cardiff (the Hornets have never kept their goal unbroken in the last four league rounds).
Championship: possible winners
Sheffield United (in Sheffield United-West Bromwich, 1:30 p.m.)
Blackburn or draw (in Blackburn-Hull City, 4 p.m.)
Sunderland or draw (in Stoke City-Sunderland, 4 p.m.)
Leeds (in Derby County-Leeds, 6:45 p.m.)
Burnley or draw (in Middlesbrough-Burnley, 9 p.m.)
The games of at least three goals total
Oxford United-Plymouth, 4 p.m.
Watford-Cardiff, 4 p.m.
Bristol City-Portsmouth, 4 p.m.
Championship: the games by at least one goal per team
Norwich-Queens Park Rangers, 1:30 p.m.
Swansea-Luton Town, 4 p.m.
Middlesbrough-Burnley, 9 p.m.
Share comparison
Leeds’ win is listed at 1.55 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and Snai. In contrast, the “Over 2.5” sign in Oxford United-Plymouth is quoted at 1.75 on Goldbet, Lottomatica and Snai.
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